How should I power my sonar unit?

[h2ohzrd]

Next sonar installation question:<br />Can I power my unit from the feed coming from the battery to the dash panel that has my nav lights, bilge and horn? Or should I just go directly to the battery?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How should I power my sonar unit?

Pick up 12V wherever the closest source is. That feed does not have to go all the way back to the battery. There are plenty of spots at the console. Isn't your fuse/circuit breaker panel there?

 

[JB]

Re: How should I power my sonar unit?

Many sonars are noise sensitive. The best protection is a lead directly (via a fuse) from the battery. You can try the hot lead to your panel, but if you get a noisy screen change it.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How should I power my sonar unit?

To counter the direct connection theory, running a bunch of cables parallel with each other is a dandy way to pick up interference. Electronics are best powered when power lines cross each other -- the closer to 90 degrees the better. I've owned lots of boats and none have ever provided one bit of interference being powered at the console. That provides the shortest lead length. Interference is why the transducer cable is shielded as it runs from the back of the boat to the console and would essentially be a small radio station.